The National EMS Memorial Service has selected Colorado Springs for its memorial site.

The monument to honor fallen EMS heroes will be erected in the same park that is home to the International Association of Fire Fighters Memorial.

"Once people see the setting, they will understand our selection," said Kevin Dillard, NEMSMS president. "It's so serene."

The site selection that started in 2006 wasn't an easy one. The field was narrowed from 14 to three. While each of the finalists had benefits, Colorado Springs was deemed the perfect spot.

"The City of Colorado Springs owns Memorial Park. It is absolutely beautiful."

Now that the site has been chosen, it's time to start on designs. "We'll be asking for input from everyone. We want to know their vision on what the memorial should look like," Dillard said. "Everyone will be invited to be part of the process."

Officials hope the first memorial service will be held in Colorado Springs in 2010.

This year's annual memorial service will be held May 24 in Roanoke, Va.

Dillard expects a record crowd as 73 fallen heroes will be honored during the ceremony that will be held at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Roanoke.

Each fallen hero's family receives a U.S. flag that has flown over the Capitol, a gold medal bearing their loved one's name and a white rose.